What Is Gcyi Virus?
Gcyi virus what’s the name of a nasty ransomware infection, that is also known as STOP/DJVU. This virus seems to get into your computer without you even realizing it and attack your files, by encrypting them and adding the .gcyi file extension. Be advised, that the virus changes the date of the files and removing the extension will not fix them. The only way to fix the files is to use a decryption key, which the cybercriminals want you to pay bitcoin for. The virus leaves behind a ransom note, there is also known as _readme.txt.
Read this article in order to learn more information about Gcyi virus and how you can remove it from your computer system as soon as possible plus try to get your files back.
Gcyi Virus Summary
Name | Gcyi virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .gcyi |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Gcyi Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .Gcyi extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Gcyi Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Gcyi virus one of the latest versions of this virus family, to which the .bbbw, .ckae and .bbbr and .avyu threats, that were recently detected and also belong.
This ransomware has the potential to get in your computer system via a couple of ways, like:
If the virus gets sent to you in the form of an email attachment, it is very often that it pretends to be a legitimate document, which appears useful, like
- Work-related files.
- Receipts.
- Invoices.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
Once this document is downloaded on your device, it may trigger the following infection process as soon as you open it and enable its content:
Gcyi virus may also be downloaded from some shady website, where it could appear as if it is a file that you have been looking for to download, like for example:
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Fake installation files.
- Software patches.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
Gcyi Virus – What Does It Do?
When the Gcyi virus iss triggered on your computer system, it may connect to a remote server, from where it downloads its payload files, which may be located in the following Windows directories:
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
Not just this, but also the Gcyi virus may also leave behind it ransom note file, there is known as _readme.txt. It contains the instructions that are set by the extortionists about how you can contact them and pay the ransom:
Gcyi virus may also create a registry entries in the following Windows Registry Editor sub-keys:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
This allows the Gcyi malware to get triggered automatically when you boot Windows.
What Are .gcyi Files
The .gcyi files are the result of the ransomware using the AES encryption algorithm on your data. They are copies of your original important files, that have their core data scrambled by the algorithm. What the virus does it scans for the following types of files to encrypt, based on their file extensions, while skipping important Windows directories:
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
Gcyi virus may leave your files looking like the following:
Picture.jpg.gcyi
How to Remove Gcyi Virus?
Gcyi virus could be deleted from your device if you follow the removal instructions that have been created underneath this article. These guides contain the steps that are necessary to use the information in this article and delete all of the files and the objects it has created on your machine either manually or automatically. If you don’t have the time or the experience to do this yourself, then the best solution according to experts is running a scan of your computer using anti-malware software. Such an advanced tool is designed specifically to target and delete such malicious files and protect your device in the future as well.
How to Decrypt .gcyi Files?
To decrypt the files, your decryption key must be offline based. This will allow you to use the official decryption software, that has been created by independent malware researchers and featured in ourSTOP Ransomware Decryptor Guide or the video guide below. In case your key is online based, then it is significantly harder to get the files back, but you can also try following the alternative tools in the guide below. They may not come with 100% guaranteed to restore all your files, but with their help you could be able to recover at least some of them.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Gcyi with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Gcyi and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Gcyi on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Gcyi there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Gcyi
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Gcyi.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Gcyi aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Gcyi-FAQ
What is Gcyi Ransomware?
Gcyi is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Gcyi Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Gcyi Infect?
Via several ways.Gcyi Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Gcyi is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Gcyi files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Gcyi files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Gcyi files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Gcyi" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Gcyi files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Gcyi Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Gcyi ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Gcyi files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Gcyi Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Gcyi Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Gcyi how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Gcyi ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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